Frugal, Fairy Tale Weddings: Invitations, Dresses, & Tuxedos (Part 4)

The Frugal Fairy Tale Weddings series continues today with ideas for savings on invitations and wedding attire. If you missed the previous posts in this series, check them out here (ways to save on the rehearsal dinner) and here (early preparations).

Invitations:

Print your own wedding invitations. Buy the kits when they go on sale for 50% off at your favorite craft store. The packages come with instructions for printing. Or, you can also buy exotic paper and design your own! If you purchase the kit from Hobby Lobby, Joanne Crafts, or Michaels, you can use the 40% off one item coupons that come in the mail (or are available online at certain times). Ask your family and friends to donate their coupons if you need to purchase multiple kits. You may need to ask them to come to the store to purchase them with you.
Print your own return address labels; the package comes with instructions.
Rather than providing a stamped envelope for a response card, provide an e-mail address, phone number, or website for your RSVP. We used theknot.com, which is fun because you also get to add your story and picture and personalize it as much as you want.
Almost anything goes with wedding invitations these days:
- a large postcard style with a picture of the couple on the front and the invite on the back
- fold-up style with a sticker to seal and address/stamp on the back
- reception invite listed at the bottom of the wedding invitation
Be sure to check Vistaprint (my favorite printing company) for great printing deals.

Bridal Essentials for the Big Day: Starting at $0.60!

Wedding Dress/ Bridesmaid Dresses/ Tuxedos/ Flower Girl Dress:

Most bridal shops have a clearance rack where you can pick up a beautiful dress for $100 or less. If your dress needs to be altered, remember that you can have the work done elsewhere. Check your mall for alteration shops and do a price comparison. You don’t have to get your dress altered at the bridal shop. Shop around!
Buy a white bridesmaid dress for about a quarter of the price you would pay for a wedding gown. Many of them come with trains.
Use 30% off Kohls coupons to purchase suits (already on sale) for the groomsmen for about $70—which could be less or equal to the cost of a rental.
Bridesmaid dresses: look for styles they can use later, perhaps tea length. Check out Target.com, JCPenny.com, JCrew.com, Chadwicks.com, Kohls.com, and others. Wait for sales and check for coupons. The same sites are good sources for Mother of the Bride dresses. Check their clearance sections, as well.
Save on the exorbitant price of a veil by gathering tulle onto a comb, barrette or tiara and sewing it into place.
If you’re having a flower girl, Communion dresses are a very inexpensive and beautiful. I got the dress for my flower girl at TJ Max for $25. Check the clearance racks after May for the deepest discount.